Italy's Epiphany Santa Claus

Ciao, mythology fans!

Even as I have come home from Italy, my Italian vacation still touches my soul.

This year, Mythology Worlds kicks off the holidays by presenting...

Befana

The witch of Italian folklore who flies around on her broom, delivering presents every year on Epiphany (the 6th of January)

Epiphany commemorates the visit of the magi to the newborn Jesus.

The Bible does not say there were three, though.

This is yet another one of my work downtime drawings.

Befana is so proud to be Italian that her hat has Italy's flag on it.

She even wears fancy-looking shoes!

To hold all those presents, she carries a huge bag (just like Santa Claus).

Unlike a stereotypical Halloween witch, Befana's appearance is designed to appeal to children, to whom she gives presents.

Arrivederci, e Buon Natale!